With the launch of the Intel 200-series chipset, MSI has revealed their M.2 Shield. To prove that it helps in decreasing temperatures they had Tom’s Hardware test exactly that. Meanwhile Steve Burke from Gamer’s Nexus has had a look at the same and he states that there is a chance that the M.2 Shield actually increases temperatures.


In last week’s article regarding MSI's M.2 Shield on Gamer’s Nexus the MSI M.2 Shield has been tested in combination with a suitable SSD and temperatures were measured. The interesting part about his testing is that the top side was between 1 and 2°C cooler with the M.2 Shield but the underside was actually 4°C warmer. Considering that most of the modern M.2 SSDs have components on both sides of the PCB this eliminates the temperature advantages the M.2 Shield causes on the top side.

Last but not least Steve concludes that he concludes with the recommendation not to use the M.2 Shield from MSI. He doesn’t see a point in using a product that overall increases the temperatures of M.2 SSDs while being advertised to do the opposite. Apart from that he’s point out that a better heat transfer could help.

Since we have new MSI motherboards in our lab as well, we will have a look at this too. But simply holding the M.2 Shield in our hand we can tell that it’s a thin plate made from sheet metal and the underside has been equipped with a thin thermal pad. Maybe MSI might want to change that at some point in time, using an aluminum plate, that a bit thicker and also a thicker thermal pad, that establishes perfect contact with the M.2 SSD.

Below you can find his review and also the Youtube video.







Source: GamesNexus